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Teach English in Spain

During the 2011-12 school year I worked as an auxiliar de conversación in Madrid. The auxiliares program in Madrid (North American Language and Culture Assistants) runs from October 1 to June 30, and is managed by the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture, and Sport. Auxiliares in Madrid work 16 hours a week and receive a 1,000 euro monthly stipend.

Normal Program Dates: Oct - May 31Castilla y León: September 15 - June 15Madrid: October 1 - June 30

In locations elsewhere in Spain the stipend is 700 euros a month, working 12-16 hours a week as a North American Language and Culture Assistant.

Applications are usually accepted beginning in January each year, to March or April. The first to apply are the first to get in, so it's recommended to apply early.

A week in the life of an auxiliar

I blogged for a week about my days working as an auxiliar de conversación, while answering daily questions about teaching English in Madrid. If you'd like to find out what an average day is like teaching English in Madrid, check these out.

Patience, patience, patience

You will need to have patience living and working in Spain. The following posts are some examples of the less-fun side of the program, though don't let this stop you from participating. I'm simply sharing so that you are aware it's not all sunshine and smiles (though there is much of that!).

Have some laughs

Other English jobs in Spain

Working as a North American Language and Culture Assistant is not the only way to teach English in Spain. There are a few other year-long programs, plus plenty of private academies/businesses that hire native English teachers. And don't forget about private English lessons too!

Teach Abroad through Reach to Teach - "Reach To Teach helps you find an ESL teaching job with a reputable school that meets our standards for high quality English teacher positions in destinations all over the world."

Returning home after living in Spain

You might experience some reverse culture shock when you move back to your home country, or you may not. Either way, let your time in Spain remain a part of you - even when you're no longer in the country.